The potential threat of greater beggar’s ticks (Bidens subalternans) to legume crops: A study based on competitive ability and nitrogen response

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Plant Production and Genetics Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22034/ijws.2025.370188.1490

Abstract

Bidens subalternans is recognized as a major weed species in legume fields, particularly in crops such as common bean and soybean in several countries, especially in South America such as Brazil and Argentina. This invasive weed has recently been expanding in orchards of Fars province, Iran, posing a potential threat to legume fields in the region. To assess its damage potential under varying nitrogen fertilizer levels, a field experiment was conducted in 2023 in a green bean field in Marvdasht County, Fars province, using a split-plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots consisted of three nitrogen application rates from urea (0, 50, and 100 kg ha⁻¹), while the subplots included two levels of weed interference (no interference and interference with B. subalternans). Weed interference was introduced post-emergence through artificial infestation at a high density (65 plants m⁻²) between crop rows. Results showed that the effects of interference type, nitrogen fertilization, and their interaction on the yield of the second harvest were significant. Additionally, interference type and its interaction with nitrogen levels significantly affected the first harvest yield. Interference from B. subalternans reduced green bean yield by 61% and 48% in the first and second harvests, respectively. Given the high yield loss potential of this weed, it is strongly recommended to identify and eradicate infested areas and prevent its spread to new regions.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Weed Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 October 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 October 2025
  • First Publish Date: 19 October 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 October 2025

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